Who is helping you? When there is so much to do and so little time to do it all are there people who offer to help you? There may not be, but if there are you may be like I use to be and tell them "No, thank you, I'm fine." when in reality you are drowning!If someone wants to help you, let them!

Physical Demands on Caregivers

There are many physical demands on caregivers and you should be aware of these demands and how you can be careful to take care of yourself while taking care of others.

#1 Moving Patients - Make sure that you receive training before you try to move anyone. You could injure yourself!

#2 Decrease in Sleep - which can affect every aspect of your life!

#3 Stress - can not only affect your mental health but also your physical!

#4 Eating Poorly - really easy because it is easy and fast!

#5 No Exercise - no time for that when caring for another!

Make sure that you tell your doctor that you are a caregiver. He/she needs to know that you have taken on this role in your life. Being a caregiver inevitably affects your health as the caregiver.

REST!

You have to rest! Did you hear what I just said? You have to rest! Even if it is for only one hour each week, you need to find a way to rest. Maybe someone can come and sit with the person you are caring for or maybe you can ask a family member to come over for a while. You have to have some time for yourself. Don't ever see this as being selfish. You are taking care of your own mental health so that you can be a more effective and loving caregiver!

Family Meetings

Meet with your family and see what each person is willing to do in order to care for this person that is the patient or care recipient. Each person in your family needs to know what they are responsible for or how they can help you. If you don't ask others for help they may never offer to help you! You cannot do it all by yourself. It is not weak to ask for help!

Don't EVER forget that you chose to become a caregiver! That makes you a special person!

What you do each day is special and God sees you even when on one else is looking!